Odisha

Odisha , India

Odisha

Odisha , India

Odisha is known to be the land of myriad marvels as the state boasts of more than 20,000 temples with historic culture. While the state has previously been known for religious tourism, it has recently thrown light on its eco-tourism spots, natural wildlife, Buddhist spots, and tribal culture creating some unique tourism hubs that one must visit to experience a unique side of the region. The temples in Bhubaneswar and Puri or Konark are just a glimpse of what the state has to offer. Situated on the eastern coast, boasting a coastline of 485 km with its mesmerising beaches, it's surprising to see how much the state has to offer within its demographic. Titled ‘India’s Best Kept Secret’, Odisha is a traveller's paradise, with its beautiful beaches, rich flora and fauna, plentiful wildlife, and exquisite temples. The wonderful cities of this charming state tell volumes about its cultural heritage. You can never have enough of these top tourist attractions, whether it's meandering about the grandiose Jagannath temple, lingering around the Konark Sun Temple, or visiting the ancient Jain caves in Khandagiri. The beach of Bhitarkanika flanked with coconut and palm trees, the hypnotic para deep beach, and the disappearing sea of Chandipur Beach are all wonderful places to visit. This state has some unexplored gems that are still awaiting that much-deserved recognition by domestic travellers. Most of the locations are pristine and naturally blessed showcasing a unique side of Incredible India. Be it shipping handicrafts at Pipli, exploring the caves at Udaygiri, wandering on the pristine beaches, trekking in Dhaula Giri or visiting the bird sanctuary at Chilika Lake, or spotting the white tigers at Nandankanan Zoological Park, there are many that’ll end up on your wishlist. For someone who enjoys fairs and festivals, Odisha would not disappoint you in the least. Primarily a tribal state, Odisha has a long and illustrious past, a land that is rich in beauty and adventure. Surely, give this state a chance and see how the destinations transform your journey across the country. Here is a look at all the major attractions in the state and what surely not to miss.

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital city, is dotted with temples that speak of the city’s historic roots. The city’s name translates to, ‘Lord of the Universe.’ The Lingaraj temple and the Parasurameswara temple are two of the most important temples in the area. One of the best introductions to the city of Bhubaneswar is given by Ekamra walks, an initiative by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Odisha Tourism and Bhubaneswar Development Authority through Detour Odisha. The weekly walk which is conducted every Sunday in the old town area takes you through 14 different landmarks including the historic temples, Bindusagar Lake, an old Hindu monastery and a herbal garden. The guide takes you through each detailing and temple describing its significance.

Chilika Lake

Another major tourist attraction is Chilika Lake where people have also witnessed the famous dolphins. It is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon which is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km narrow strip of marshy islands and sand flats. It is home to a variety of birds which creates a special viewing season for the tourists. From white-bellied sea eagles to flamingos, and golden plovers to sandpipers, the lake offers a spectacular show of bird charms in all different hues and colours. There are numerous fisheries and salt pans around the pear-shaped lake dotted with small islands. Another famous spot is the Kali Jai Temple in the middle of the lake which is visited by thousands of locals and travellers. The story attached to these local places is equally fascinating to hear.

Konark

Konark, in the Indian state of Odisha, is famous for the Sun Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the annual dance festival and its gorgeous sandy beaches. The Sun Temple at Konark is one of the most visited spots in the state. Popularly known as the Black Pagoda, it earned its name due to its massive structure and blackish stone look. It was located right at the sea at the time it was built and served as a navigational point for the ships. It is believed that the majority of the complex was destroyed and only the remains can be seen now. The temple was built in the shape of a gigantic chariot which was elaborately carved out of stone that was brought from the nearby lands.

Puri

Odisha has always been known for its religious tourism due to the Jagannath Puri Temple which is the most visited temple. As part of India’s Char Dham, many visit the temple due to its religious significance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu and has four major entrances. The main temple is also surrounded by other smaller temples dedicated to other deities. The most important festival of the temple- The Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival is held in June and is attended by millions of devotees from across the world. Apart from the temples, Puri is also blessed with pristine beaches, if you visit during the right time, skipping the extreme heat, you’ll realize what a true hidden gem it is.

Delicacies of the state

You may wonder how every Indian state has such unique taste and cuisine but it's true that every region has over the years developed a distinct lifestyle. Odisha being such a religious and cultural place also stands no different where taste is king. Dominated by rice, coconut and curd, the local diet is primarily vegetarian with a mix of some brilliant seafood dishes. Because the cuisine is prepared without the use of oil, it is believed to be quite natural and healthy. The people of Odisha are said to be blessed cooks as anything that they make be it a simple meal tastes soulful. Some of the popular dishes are as follows, Pakhala (rice preparation), Dali, Mandia Jau, Dahi Baigana, Dahi Machha, Dahi Bhindi (fried eggplant, fried fish, fried ladyfinger dipped in spicy yoghurt sauce)

Shopping in Odisha

During the ancient and mediaeval periods, Odisha was known as Utkala. The word Utkala translates to 'land of excellent art and workmanship.’ The art forms are visual expressions of Odisha's rich cultural past, and they depict a tradition that continues to live on in the creative creativity and skill of its artisans. The diverse craft forms seen throughout Odisha reflect the state's rich culture and tradition. You would undoubtedly want to get these because they may be used as gifts or mementoes. Stonework, silver filigree, woodcraft, appliqué work, brass and bell metal work, dhokra castings, horn work, pattachitra, paper mache, terracotta, tie-and-dye textile in cotton, tassar, and silk are only a few examples of Odisha's art and craft. They are a colourful testament to the vital life force of the people of the state, resulting from generations of beautiful craftsmanship. You should surely get a Sambalpur, keypad or bomkai saree which is locally well known.

Fairs and Festivals

The state also hosts many fairs and festivals throughout the year. In Odisha, festivals such as the Konark Dance and Music Festival in December, the Baliyatra in November-December, Makar-Sankranti in January, the world-famous Rathyatra in June-July, and the Puri Beach Festival in October are scheduled throughout the year. A tribal festival is held every February, showcasing Odisha's tribal culture and way of life. The festival offers everything with a tribal twist, from reproductions of native homes to tribal handicrafts and cuisine. Huge crowds of devotees rush the path of the chariot during Lord Lingaraj's yearly chariot celebration, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lord Chandrashekhar, Lord Lingaraj's emissary. The yearly chariot celebration is conducted on Ashokastami, an auspicious day that normally falls in April.

Best time to visit

The climate in Odisha is tropical, with hot summers and bitterly cold winters. The months of October to February are the finest for visiting Odisha since the weather is mild, dry, and pleasant. During these months, it is misty and green, making it ideal for enjoying the seashores and beaches, as well as animals. June-July is the ideal month to see the Jagannath Temple-Chariot Festival or Rath Yatra, even though summer temperatures can reach 46 degrees.

How to reach

Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik Airport connects Odisha to all of India's main cities including Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, and Raipur, with flights from most major airlines. The Bhubaneswar Railway Station, located in Odisha's capital city, is the state's main rail hub. It is connected to other regions of Odisha and other cities in the country by major railroad networks. The station is served by trains like the Rajdhani, Konark Express, and Coromandal Express. Several buses run between Odisha and adjacent states. It is easily accessible by National Highways 5, 6, 23, 42, and 43.

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Odisha

Odisha

Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Odisha

Bhubaneswar

Chilika Lake

Konark

Puri

Delicacies of the state

Shopping in Odisha

Fairs and Festivals

Best time to visit

How to reach

Want To find out more about Our Popular Tours ?

Get in touch one of our destination specialists.

Other Popular Tourist Places

Punjab

Andhra Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Telangana

Karnataka

Jammu and Kashmir

Kerala

Leh Ladakh

Lakshadweep

Madhya Pradesh

Delhi

Pondicherry

Rajasthan

Tamil Nadu

Uttar Pradesh

Uttarakhand

Maharashtra

Gujarat

Goa

Bihar

Odisha

West Bengal

The Seven Sister States Of India

Andaman And Nicobar

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